KULAI: A total of 275,785 new-generation MyKad have been issued, with Johor recording the highest number, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said Johor accounted for 31,392 cards issued between Sept 17 and Oct 20, followed by Kuala Lumpur with 29,601 and Selangor with 26,736.
“The figures reflect a positive response from the public to the new-generation identity card,” he said after opening the 78th National Registration Day celebrations.
He said the upgrade was necessary to ensure identity cards remained secure against evolving threats.
“MyKad undergoes an update cycle every 12 years. The old card may have had security features that were robust at the time, but 12 years later, they may no longer be sufficient.
“That is why the department has taken steps to further upgrade the security features, resulting in the new-generation MyKad,” he said.
The card features 53 security features, compared with 23 in the previous version, including QR codes, ultraviolet elements and holograms.
Saifuddin Nasution assured the public that the NRD had the capacity to meet demand during the transition to the new card.
There are currently about 24 million MyKad in circulation nationwide.
The NRD receives an average of 200,000 applications a month for various purposes, including for new identity cards, replacement for damaged cards and MyKad replacement for those turning 18.
On another matter, Saifuddin Nasution said the department had resolved nearly 13,000 cases of late birth registration in 2026, averaging about 1,000 cases a month.
He said the issue remained a concern as some families continued to face difficulties obtaining birth certificates for their children.
“The absence of birth registration can create serious difficulties for children, particularly when they need to enrol in school or seek hospital treatment.”
On another matter, Saifuddin Nasution said he has left the matter concerning Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain’s position to the Chief Secretary to the Government and the ministry’s secretary-general.
He said both officials were handling the matter in accordance with existing public service regulations.
Saifuddin Nasution was responding to questions about the Border Control and Protection Agency director-general’s position following his court case involving two policemen.
On Oct 21, Comm Mohd Shuhaily pleaded not guilty in the Sepang Magistrate’s Court to two charges of voluntarily causing hurt to L/Kpl Mohamad Faiz Saman, 40, and L/Kpl Muhammad Ekmal Sofwan Dirman, 25.
The alleged offences took place near counter J at Terminal 1 of KL International Airport between 1.27pm and 1.35pm on Sept 28.
